Table 3

Average student scores for how well the degree program or final year project equipped them with the seven attributes identified by this study.

Attribute

Degree Average (± standard error)

Project Average (± standard error)

t

df

Sig (2-tailed)

Inquiring mind/curiosity

2.94 ± 0.081

3.35 ± 0.073

3.75

205

0.001

Core knowledge

3.28 ± 0.072

2.88 ± 0.10

-3.20

206

0.002

Critical appraisal

2.74 ± 0.077

3.16 ± 0.082

3.73

206

0.001

Understanding of the evidence base for professional practice

2.81 ± 0.82

2.98 ± 0.97

1.26

206

0.209

Understanding of ethics and governance

2.51 ± 0.13

3.01 ± 0.85

-3.20

206

0.001

Ability to work in a team

3.13 ± 0.092

1.62 ± 0.14

-9.17

207

0.001

Ability to communicate

3.13 ± 0.09

3.12 ± 0.09

0.02

208

0.985

Student scores for whether the degree program or final year project equipped them with the seven attributes (mean ± standard error). Independent samples t-tests show whether the degree program or final year project scored higher for any particular attribute.

Laidlaw et al. BMC Medical Education 2009 9:28   doi:10.1186/1472-6920-9-28